More Exchange and Transport Systems - Cardiovascular Disease

Question 1

In short, what are the 3 common risk factors of cardiovascular disease?

Answer 1

[1] High blood cholesterol and poor diet

[2] Cigarette smoking

[3] High blood pressure

Question 2

Why is high blood cholesterol and poor diet a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Answer 2

If blood cholesterol is high (above 240mg per 100cm3),
then the risk is increased.

cholesterol

• -> fatty deposits
• -> atheromas
• -> increased blood pressure and blood clots
• -> blocks flow of coronary arteries
• -> myocardial infarction

diet high in saturated fat
associated with high blood cholesterol levels

diet high in salt
also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease
because it increases the risk of high blood pressure.

Question 3

Why is cigarette smoking a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Answer 3

Nicotine increases the risk of high blood pressure

Smoking

• -> CO combines with haemoglobin
• -> less oxygen transported in the blood
• -> reduces the amount of oxygen available to tissues
• -> heart doesn’t receive enough oxygen
• -> heart attacks

Smoking

• -> fewer antioxidants
• -> cell damage in the coronary artery walls more likely
• -> atheroma formation.

Question 4

Why is high blood pressure a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Answer 4

High blood pressure
–> higher risk of damage to artery walls
–> increased risk of atheroma formation
–> increasing blood pressure further
AND blood clots form
–> blood clot could block flow of blood to heart muscle
–> myocardial infarction

HBP can be caused by
being overweight
not exercising
excessive alcohol consumption